Patrick Manning is expected to call elections within a few months.

Pundits have been scrutinising Patrick Manning's presentation to determine what goodies have been aimed directly at voters.

One of the major talking points has been the 15% salary increase given by the finance minister to workers in government's social welfare programmes.

The government's environmental projects employ workers to cut grass on the sides of highways and upgrade communities.

BBC Caribbean reporter in Port of Spain Tony Fraser says the projects have long been considered a ready source to gain electoral support for the government of the day.

In this instance, the majority of the projects are situated in strongholds of the ruling Peoples National Movement.

Not only did Mr Manning announce the wage increase for the workers, but he backdated the increase to January of this year.

'Hand-outs'

This will mean that the workers will get a lump sum.

Additionally, the finance minister gave increases to old age pensioners, persons on other forms of government assistance programmes and to retired public servants.

The finance minister also announced an increase for recipients of monthly national insurance benefits.

His critics have deemed the increases in the social welfare programmes to be handouts made with an election expected in three months.

They have claimed that the persons working in the environmental projects form the basis of the ruling party's election machinery and the US$6.7 billion budget was a clear attempt to use government funds for electioneering purposes.